Time Lapse Site Monitoring: FAQ

Posted on August 1, 2018

Setting up a new process such as monitored time lapse on a project can initially kick-up a multitude of questions and queries. To help you navigate the subject, especially if time lapse is new to you, we've put together a list of the most frequently asked questions to help clarify the process for you.

How quickly can it be installed?

This is probably the question we are most commonly asked, and understanding the construction industry as we do, we completely appreciate why. For large projects, there are often so many suppliers, and so much going on in the preparation stages, that appointing time lapse site monitoring can drop to the bottom of an already very long to-do list... if not fall off completely.

The build is just about to start, and time lapse monitoring is then required as a matter of urgency, to ensure the project is documented from breaking ground on Day 1. Luckily, we are able to mobilise fast! The point of installation - where your camera is up, running, and capturing images of your site - is usually within 5 - 10 days after receipt of order, if not before. This time frame also covers a survey - where we visit your site and identify camera mounting positions - and a full RA/MS report. What's this? See below!

How often does the camera take a photo of my project?

The ‘usual’ time interval between photographs is 15 minutes, but this is flexible and can be edited as required. Clients often choose for their Lobster Pot cameras to not capture images overnight or on weekends when there is no activity on site, but if you'd like to capture images at these times regularly - or just activate a temporary shooting schedule in the case of a crane delivery or concrete pour for example - just let us know.

How often do I get to see the photographs taken?

They are yours to view 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year! All your high-resolution images - and an automated two minute time lapse video of your project to date - are available to view and download through your own personal Lobster Vision login. Lobster Vision is our bespoke viewing platform, and once time lapse monitoring is implemented on your project, you will receive your private login details. If your site is within cellular range, images will upload instantly to Lobster Vision each time a new image is captured.

Do you do discounts for long projects with multiple cameras, or group-level agreements?

We have a sliding scale of costs based on the length of your project and the number of cameras required. We are also certainly able to set up group-level agreements. Just give us a call on +44 (0)117 911 8759 or drop us a completed quotation request here and we can discuss all the options with you.

Do I need a site survey?

We strongly recommend a site survey, and it’s included in the package for UK work. It enables us to clarify the exact locations of the cameras and the shots to be captured, plan the power source and mounting solutions, and overall ensures a safe, quick and efficient installation for you.

What happens on a site survey?

We cover the entire installation and site survey process in full here.After the survey, we will send you an in-depth report of the visit, so you’ll know exactly what to expect when it comes to the actual camera install itself. The site survey follow-up document will include:

- A recap of your requirements

- Images of the expected view to be captured by the camera or cameras

- Imagery documenting the exact location of the camera positioning on site, plus scope of capture

- Details of the proposed mounting solution

- Confirmation of power source

A RA/MS report... What is it?

RA/MS stands for Risk Assessment and Method Statement. It is a document we prepare to cover all the procedures we put in place to ensure the safety of everyone on your site. It will also include a full list of the relevant accreditations held by our team of Technicians. The RA/MS report will be sent to you prior to installation for your approval.

How does the entire implementation work from start to finish?

Check out our free infographic download here to show the 10 easy steps to implementing time lapse monitoring on your project, from initial contact to installation.

How much power does a ‘standard’ Lobster Pot time lapse use?

A standard Lobster Pot camera uses a little less than a pound of electricity per month to run.

How will it be mounted?

We have a huge range of mounting solutions to suit the specifics of your site, from winch-down masts and ped mounts, to bespoke solutions to attach to lamp posts, walls or even windows. The site survey will help us make the best recommendations for you.

What plugs or power source do we need?

If you are planning to power your Lobster Pot camera with mains electricity, you’ll need to have one of three options available:

- 240v domestic, 13 amp plug socket

- 240v 16 amp CEEform/commando socket

- 110v 16 amp CEEform/commando socket

There’s no mains power source on site, what are the options?

Solar power is an option for you. Get in touch to discuss this option further.

I need some specific details about the camera and hardware, could you provide me with more information?

Check out our free Technical spec sheet for all the information you need, at a glance. If there is something not covered, please do get in touch and we’ll be more than happy to help.

As you can imagine, the complex logistics of our Building Information Modelling (BIM) integration are a closely-guarded secret…! In essence, we overlay your BIM model with your as-built project record - your time lapse images. See a live camera here, read more about the benefits of BIM-enabled time lapse in our free infographic here, or fill out this form to book a free demo.

What health and safety accreditations do you have?

We've worked in all kinds of challenging environments, bringing time lapse solutions to oil terminals, military facilities, incinerator chimneys, suspension bridge towers, offshore wind turbines, skyscrapers, gantry cranes, and hydro-electric dams. We have the training, experience, and certifications to work safely virtually anywhere.

Check out our Health and Safety Accreditations page for the entire list, or download our free infographic showing how each of the accreditations can truly benefit you as a client. As the only provider of time lapse and monitoring with ISO 9001:2015 certification, you have the reassurance of working with a team that is customer-focussed, quality-led and constantly striving to exceed your expectations.

What happens if the power to the camera is accidentally unplugged, then plugged back in again?

The camera will restart itself and resume its shooting schedule as soon as it’s connected back to a power source. We also receive a notification from our patented ‘crab’ monitoring and power management system, built in to the camera - every time the power is stopped (or restarted).

Can I move the camera around to shoot another angle on site?

In some cases, we can guide you through panning or tilting the camera to change the field of view. For more complex moves - where the camera needs to change location on site entirely - this can be arranged. Give the office a call in the instance that this is required, and we will book in a move for your Lobster Pot camera.

Do I need an app to view Lobster Vision on my mobile?

In short - no! Simply use Lobster Vision the same on your mobile as you would on your computer.

How does the final film work?

I’m ready to go ahead... How do I kick off the process?

When you are ready to go ahead, all we need is a Purchase Order (PO) from you. Once we have received this, we will be in touch to arrange a date for your install so we can get your cameras up and running.